Measuring approximately 14 cm in length and weighing a mere 19.5 grams, the bay-headed tanager boasts nine subspecies, each displaying unique plumage variations. Among these, the nominate species reigns supreme, bedecked in verdant green with a chestnut-red head, a mesmerizing blue belly, and a delicate golden collar adorning its neck.

Males and females of this species bear striking resemblance, their identities often discerned by the subtle nuances of their head shapes. The male sports a flat head, while the female boasts a more rounded profile. Juveniles, meanwhile, don duller plumage with hints of brown spotting on their heads.

Native and resident in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, Panama, and South America, extending as far as Ecuador, Bolivia, southern Brazil, and Trinidad, the bay-headed tanager finds sanctuary amidst forested realms. High in the canopy, amid towering trees and along forest edges, these birds make their homes, their vibrant plumage a beacon amidst the verdant foliage.

Nesting is a meticulous affair for bay-headed tanagers, who fashion voluminous cup-shaped nests within tree branches. Here, the female lays up to two white eggs adorned with delicate brown spots. With tender care, she tends to her precious cargo, incubating them for 13 to 14 days until hatching, followed by a further 15 to 16 days until the fledglings take flight.

Despite their remarkable beauty and widespread distribution, the global population size of bay-headed tanagers remains unquantified. However, reports describe them as “common” across significant portions of their range, offering hope for their continued presence in the wild.